The gifts, which Sir David has given away each year since his own 70th birthday in 2006, will be available from parish halls between 30 November and 15 December.
‘I am only too aware of how difficult it is for certain elderly members of our community in Jersey to keep up with the cost of living on a limited budget,’ Sir David said.
‘I can tell from the many cards and letters I receive that it is an important lifeline at this expensive time of the year, and I am delighted when I read that the vouchers enable recipients to have a few extra treats.’
Anyone wanting to collect vouchers from their parish hall must produce proof of residency, such as a bank statement, and proof of age. They can be spent at any Co-op store until 31 January.
Over the last 11 years, Sir David has given away millions to charity and is to leave his entire fortune to Jersey’s pensioners through the David Kirch Charitable Trust. He received a knighthood in 2013 in recognition of his charitable donations.
‘Business this year has been the usual mixture of ups and downs,’ he said. ‘And there are only three of us in the office who have taken up the challenge in recent years of ensuring that we generate enough income to enable the trust to fulfil my cherished aim to make this gift at Christmas.
‘My grateful thanks go to the Co-op for their gift of additional vouchers and their support to this scheme, and also to the Constables, parish employees and volunteers who work so hard dealing with the distribution of the vouchers.’
